Bringing Big Ideas Into Focus: Dean Davidson’s New YouTube Series

by Chloe Borgida

Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas
A group of seven adults gather in a wood-paneled room with large windows, listening to a woman standing and speaking in front of a fireplace. The setting appears informal and conversational, with people seated or standing attentively in a semicircle. A framed illustration of UMass Amherst’s College of Humanities & Fine Arts hangs above the fireplace.
Katrin Erk, center, delivers the first of the Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas lectures at South College.

We recently had the chance to chat with Maria del Guadalupe Davidson, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, about her latest creative project: “Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas.”

Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts, Dean Davidson’s concept has been brewing for a while. During the pandemic, she found joy in the intimacy and creativity of those mini-performances. Now, she’s channeling that same spirit into academia, giving rise to a YouTube series designed to make scholarly conversations feel accessible, engaging, and a little bit unexpected.

Each episode will feature a guest lecturer from across the college, who will be given just seven minutes to present. The format is structured in three parts: First, the speaker introduces a specific topic or challenge within their field. Then, they offer a new way of thinking about that challenge. Finally, they share a second, alternative approach, essentially giving listeners multiple lenses through which to view a complex issue.

As a testament to her ambition, Davidson already has the first three episodes booked. 

A group of seven adults in a warmly lit wood-paneled room applaud a woman standing in front of a fireplace. She smiles and bows slightly, appearing appreciative. Large windows let in natural light, and a framed illustration labeled “UMass Amherst College of Humanities & Fine Arts” hangs above the fireplace.

Kicking off the series is Professor Katrin Erk, a recent addition to the faculty of the Linguistics department. “She's really fascinating because she has a joint position with the Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences, as well,” Davidson shares. “I figured she would make a really wonderful contribution.”

Next up is Professor James Worthy, of the English department. His reputation precedes him. “I've heard people talk about his lectures and just been really amazed by his classroom presence, so he was an obvious choice.”

Episode three will feature Professor Barbara Zecchi, director of the Film Studies program, whose energy and creativity made her a standout. Davidson highlighted her “creative work in the area of film” and added, “she just came off a really amazing year of getting approval for a new BA in film studies.”

What Big Ideas can we expect from these academic powerhouses? Even Davidson isn’t sure yet. “I really don't know what anyone's talking about yet. I'm going to be as surprised, I think, as anyone else when we start taping.”

When asked what she hopes Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas brings to the College of Humanities & Fine Arts, Davidson said:

“Definitely positive exposure. I just wanted to see people. I want our viewers to see the work that happens at our college and I want to uplift  people who I think are doing good work, interesting, and impactful work that is directly relevant to society.”

For Davidson, it’s about bridging the gap between big academic thought and everyday conversations. Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas is a space where bold, thought-provoking ideas are made approachable and shareable.

And what would her own episode be about? Davidson envisions something powerful: an exploration of Black futurity or Black materiality.

The first episode of Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas will premiere in late October on YouTube, with clips shared across HFA’s social media channels.

Spotlight posted in Tiny Spaces, Big Ideas for Public